Northern elders mourn Adebanjo, Clark

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of two revered elder statesmen – Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark, describing their deaths as a significant loss to Nigeria.

NEF therefore extended its heartfelt condolences to their families and joined countless mourners across the nation in the solemn moment of grief, offering prayers to God Almighty for the peaceful repose of their souls.

In a statement, NEF convener, Professor Ango Abdullahi, conveyed the forum’s condolences to the families of the deceased and the nation at large, acknowledging the invaluable roles the two leaders played in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

Abdullahi said, “The loss of these illustrious leaders at this critical stage of our national development certainly left a huge vacuum, which would be difficult to fill.

“Their separate but inseparable lives were a living testament to their unmatched dedication to the respective geopolitical zones they hailed from and the ethnic nationalities they belonged to, the reason for which the duo became tireless advocates and unrelenting crusaders.”

Professor Abdullahi noted that despite regional differences, both leaders worked closely with NEF and engaged in patriotic dialogues aimed at fostering national unity.

He recalled their unwavering commitment to building strong bridges of cooperation and understanding between Nigeria’s diverse regions.

He added that, “On such occasions, the exchanges were characterised by mutual respect, cordiality, and warm affection. These few encounters left a lasting impression of the seriousness, dedication and wisdom exuded by these iconic leaders.

“This partly explains the reason for the high esteem with which the leaders of the two regional organisations have managed to maintain envious civility and rare rapprochement, in addressing contentious national issues.

“Without doubt, the departure of these political giants foreshadows the sombre condition in which our dear country is now getting deeply enmeshed.

“Fortunately for Nigeria and Nigerians, the enormous sacrifices and the many exemplary contributions made by these two notable personalities would continue to serve as an inexhaustible armoury in equipping future generations to soar from one epochal triumph to another.”

NEF then called on Nigerians to uphold the values of unity, patriotism and selfless service that the duo stood for.